Practical Christianity

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  James 2:15

 

 The woman behind the counter smiled warmly as I gave my glasses to her for repair. “You don’t recognize me, do you?” she asked.

I studied her for a minute. Your hair is longer, but I know you from somewhere. Who are you?

Then I remembered. Her name was Susan. Six years ago she joined a faith based job training program where I was a volunteer teacher.

Susan came to the program with her life in crisis. Her esteem had hit rock bottom. She was confused and depressed.

However, in the nurturing environment of the training program, she began to develop confidence in herself and in God. By the time the program ended she was a different person from the emotionally battered, lonely woman I first met. She had a plan for the future and tools to accomplish her plan.

Now, half a dozen years later, here she stood, working successfully in the field she’d chosen. As we talked, I learned she was happy and fulfilled personally as well as professionally.

Our churches and communities give us many practical opportunities for helping others. Literacy training, health care clinics, crisis pregnancy counseling- the list goes on and on. The needs are real and numerous.

Scripture tells us to be involved in meeting these needs.  God wants us to practice what we say we believe. When we do, we demonstrate the reality of our faith.

Father, show us concrete ways we can help meet the needs of people around us.

Carol